The Face of Old Testament Studies: A Survey of Contemporary Approaches

Details

The developments in Old Testament studies during the past 25 years have created a mountain of scholarly data that challenges even the best-read researcher. From textual criticism to literary approaches, from historiography to social science, each discipline possesses unique patterns of development, scholarly personalities, and methodologies. The Face of Old Testament Studies tackles the challenge of organizing this wealth of data through a collection of essays on 16 major areas of contemporary Old Testament research.

Each contributor traces recent developments in his field of expertise, delineating new directions and crucial methodologies that have emerged in the mainstream academy. One distinctive of this compilation is that it also pays attention to conservative scholars who have made contributions of significance that have been recognized beyond their own camp.

This reference work affords professors and students an overview of the salient issues and current approaches to Old Testament research. Suitable as a textbook for Old Testament introduction, Hebrew exegesis, and Old Testament theology courses, it will also be helpful for non-specialists who desire to keep up with developments in Old Testament studies.

Author Bios

David W. Baker

Dr. David W. Baker is a professor of Old Testament and Semitic languages at Ashland Theological Seminary in Ohio, where he’s taught since 1986, following teaching assignments at the University of Durban-Westville and the University of the Witwatersrand in South Africa. He’s also lectured in Argentina, Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

Dr. Baker has a particular interest in pedagogy, constantly exploring new means and media to enhance the learning and teaching experience for both the instructor and the student. He has contributed to, edited, or written over 40 books, including Isaiah in the Zondervan Illustrated Bible Backgrounds Commentary, The NIV Application Commentary: Joel, Obadiah, Malachi, and Dictionary of the Old Testament: Pentateuch. Forthcoming books include Genesis 37–50: A Handbook on the Hebrew Text in the Baylor Handbook on the Hebrew Bible Series, 1 & 2 Kings in the Teach the Text Commentary Series, Genesis in the Apollos Old Testament Commentary Series, and 1 & 2 Samuel in the Believers Church Bible Commentary Series.

He’s blessed with a wife, Morven, who immigrated to Canada from Scotland—a start that prepared her to support Dr. Baker in his geographical wanderings. Morven is a counselor specializing in women’s issues, specifically sexual abuse and domestic violence. Together, they have two children and three granddaughters.

Bill Arnold

Dr. Bill T. Arnold is the Paul S. Amos Professor of Old Testament Interpretation and director of Hebrew Studies. He joined Asbury Theological Seminary’s faculty in 1995 with more than 10 years of teaching experience. Dr. Arnold received a B.A. at Asbury College, 1977; a M.Div. at Asbury Theological Seminary, 1980; and a Ph.D. at Hebrew Union College, 1985. While at Asbury Seminary, Dr. Arnold has served as vice president of academic affairs, director of postgraduate studies, chair of the area of Biblical Studies and director of Hebrew Studies. Prior to teaching at Asbury Seminary, Dr. Arnold taught at Ashland Theological Seminary, Wesley Biblical Theological Seminary and Jewish Institute of Religion. Dr. Arnold is an elder in the United Methodist Church and is the former pastor of two churches. He is a teacher at First United Methodist Church in Lexington, Ky. In 2003–2004, Dr. Arnold was named alumnus-in-residence at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion in Cincinnati, Ohio. He has published many books, including his most recent, Genesis (Cambridge University Press, 2008). Dr. Arnold and his wife, Susan, have three sons.